Readers big part of website

April 12, 2011

It's great when a plan come together. For many months now, the Daily Press has been striving to make our website, www.dailypress.net, appealing and interesting to our readers. We received some news recently that indicates we're heading in the right direction.

The Daily Press website was recently was honored in the annual Michigan AP Editorial Association newswriting, newsphoto, graphics and website contest. We received a second place award in the Best Community Engagement category for our coverage of Michigan's medical marijuana law. That coverage included editorials, stories, letters and comments from readers, interactive polls, and forums.

One of the major goals of our website is to make it a place where readers can interact. We want to know how you feel... what you think... how the news impacts you. The Daily Press website does this by accepting reader comments. You can also make your feelings know by taking part in our interactive polls. Readers can also create their own forum on our website. If you have a topic you want to discuss, you can create a forum on that topic on our site and invite your fellow readers to take part.

The most important part of our website, however, is you - the reader. Without reader input, a news website is a pretty drab place to be. With input from readers, a website comes alive. The website becomes a place where a vibrant exchange of ideas can take place - a place where ideas can be shared.

Readers do this. And you, dear reader, are one of the reasons the Daily Press was honored with an Associated Press award. For that, we thank you.

We hope to bring you even more in the months to come. For example, the Daily Press offers news alerts for our readers who want their news right now. Readers can sign up for alerts on breaking news, weather updates, school closings, sports on their mobile devices. It brings news to readers when it happens.

Our news alerts, along with the comprehensive coverage in our print edition and website, bring readers a complete picture of their world

To sign up for alerts, go to the Daily Press website, www.dailypress.net, and click on the text alerts icon.

If you haven't been to our website, printed edition, or don't have our news alert service - why not give it a try. We think you'll be glad you did.